Ralph Lauren quietly shuttered its two-year-old 20,000-square-foot store last week. Other brands are expected to close boutiques in a city that has lost its luster for cash-rich mainland Chinese tourists.

NEW YORK ­— Lady Gaga, perhaps the most sought after and compelling name in show business these days, has signed a long-term licensing deal with Coty Inc. to create fragrances under her name.

Stephen Mormoris, senior vice president of global marketing in the Coty Beauty division, told WWD exclusively the agreement was hammered out last week and the first Lady Gaga women’s scent is expected to be launched in spring 2012.

Mormoris sees the significance of the Lady Gaga deal in cultural terms with her appeal and huge following embodying all age groups worldwide. Describing her as a “phenomenon,” Mormoris clearly sees the singer as “a fascinating cultural force” who is capable of electrifying the market.

Further details of the deal and the fragrance were unavailable at press time.

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@rebeccaminkoff is bringing self-checkout to high fashion: The brand has partnered with @queuehop to bring its customers self-checkout options, beginning this holiday season at its SoHo store. (📷: @aurorarosephoto)